Sex work

Paper #2:  Is Sex Work Ethical?
DUE 17 October 2022

“The United States has some of the world’s most sweeping laws against prostitution, with more than 55,000 arrests annually, more than two-thirds of which involve women. Women of color are at higher risk of arrest. (In New York City, they make up 85 percent of people who are arrested.) So are trans women, who are more likely to do sex work because of employment discrimination.” The New York Times

In your second paper, you are charged with examining the ethical arguments for and against sex work.  Because there are many ways into this topic, you will first need to decide what aspect of this topic you are going to take on.  The thinking questions below will help to guide you toward your topic.

It is important to note that ethics and morality are intertwined.  As you write, be aware of where and how you encounter ethics and different systems of morality.  You will likely need to point out and analyze the difference between ethical and moral behavior for your reader to ensure that your argument is clear.  Please define your terms as needed.

RESEARCH:  This is the first of your papers that requires research.  You must include some research about sex work in your paper.  This can be from academic sources, news media, documentaries, or personal accounts from sex workers.  This list is not exhaustive – use your best judgement when it comes to choosing reliable resources.  Because this is the first of your papers to require research, the quality of your research (including citations) will be incorporated into your grade.

As you begin to think about the different ways to discuss the ethics of sex work, you might consider the following questions and topic ideas to get started.  This is by no means an exhaustive list of topics.  If you’re having trouble coming up with a topic, please ask for help.
– Should sex work be legal in the United States?
– How do laws regarding sex work differ from country to country?
– What social supports and services are available to sex workers in other countries?
– How is mental health impacted by sex work?
– What are the ways in which sex work differs depending on gender identity?
– How can sex work be empowering?
– How has sex work changed with the birth of social media and internet culture?
– Is sex work ethical?  For whom?
– Is sex work harmful?  In what ways?  Who is being harmed?

– Should sex workers have the same rights as other workers?  (Unions, workers compensation, etc.)

This essay has three goals: to practice topic formation, to practice writing a clear and convincing argument, and to engage with outside sources in a meaningful way. It is up to you to choose what aspect of sex work that you want to examine and perhaps argue for or against.